U.S. Marine Corps, Infantry Officer 1993-99, Company Commander-Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-05
Adam Holton, who was named chief people officer of GE HealthCare in May, has leadership experience that traces back to his time at the United States Naval Academy leading midshipmen.
Holton served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry officer from 1993 to 1999, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and Quantico, Virginia. He left active duty for a short time to work as a high school teacher and basketball coach in Virginia but returned as an executive officer for Golf Company in Madison. Holton deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, leading a company of Marines and Sailors in various combat operations.
“He is a born leader. His passion and drive to teach and lead was cultivated on the hardwood and in the classroom. After the tragedy of Sept. 11, Adam felt a calling to get back into the military and help serve his country,” said Nick Vento, who served under Holton in Iraq and is now president of Goehner Industries Inc.
Since his military career, Holton has led human resources at several global companies. He is writing a book called “Why They Served,” dedicated to the Marines and Sailors he served with in Iraq, including five who were killed during the company’s deployment.
